Nano-Graphite Plate Structure for High Tap Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing graphene, such as graphite exfoliation, are complex, polluting, and result in low tap density, making mass production and industrial application challenging due to the nanometer structure's aggregation via Van der Waals forces, despite graphene's excellent physical properties.
Innovation Solution
A nano-graphite plate structure with 30 to 300 layers of graphene, having a tap density of 0.1 to 0.01 g/cm3, thickness of 10 nm to 100 nm, and lateral dimension of 1 μm to 100 μm, with a surface modifying layer to improve dispersibility and cohesion with organic polymers, enhancing its processability and application in conductive, thermal, and supercapacitor materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If graphite is exfoliated to form graphene powder with nanometer structure, then specific surface area is increased, but tap density decreases and aggregation occurs via Van der Waals forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional monolayer graphene to a three-dimensional stacked structure with 30-300 layers. This dimensional change increases tap density by creating a more compact arrangement while preserving the high specific surface area through the maintained lateral dimensions of 1-100 μm and controlled thickness of 10-100 nm.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies a nested structure where multiple graphene layers (30-300 layers) are stacked together to form a compact aggregate. This nested arrangement increases tap density by reducing the void space between individual layers while maintaining the overall lateral dimensions, thereby preventing excessive aggregation via Van der Waals forces.
2Area of stationary object
If graphite is exfoliated to form graphene powder, then specific surface area is increased, but processing complexity and pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary oxidation of natural graphite to form graphite oxide before exfoliation. This preliminary action introduces oxygen functional groups that facilitate subsequent exfoliation and reduce the energy required for the process, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving the desired high specific surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses graphite oxide as an intermediary material in the production process. The oxidation step creates graphite oxide, which then serves as a precursor that is easier to exfoliate and process into the final stacked graphene structure. This intermediary form reduces processing complexity by providing a more manageable intermediate state.
3Reliability
If monolayer graphene is produced, then excellent physical properties are achieved, but industrial application becomes challenging due to low tap density
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests 30-300 monolayer graphene sheets together to form a stacked structure. This nesting approach maintains the excellent physical properties of individual graphene layers while significantly increasing tap density, making the material suitable for industrial applications such as conductive polymers, thermal conductive materials, and supercapacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by stacking multiple graphene layers with controlled thickness (10-100 nm) and lateral dimensions (1-100 μm). This composite approach combines the superior electrical and thermal conductivity of graphene with improved mechanical stability and higher tap density, enabling practical industrial applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The nano-graphite plate structure achieves higher tap density and specific surface area, allowing for easier processing and broader application fields while maintaining graphene's excellent properties, and improves dispersibility and cohesion with organic polymers, facilitating its use in various materials like conductive polymers and thermal conductive materials.
Implementation Method 1
The surface modifying agent is primarily used to improve the surface polarity of the nano-graphite plate structure, such that the nano-graphite plate structures are easily and uniformly dispersed in the solvent, or increase the cohesion between the nano-graphite plate structures and the organic polymer
Implementation Method 2
the tap density of the manometer material is also much lower. For example, the tap density is much less than 0.01 g/cm3, and the resultant volume is much larger such that it is possible to aggregate by Van der Waals forces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a nano-graphite plate structure with N graphene layers stacked together, where N is 30 to 300. The nanometer nano-graphite structure has a tap density of 0.1 g/cm3 to 0.01 cm3, a thickness of 10 nm to 100 nm, and a lateral dimension of 1 μm to 100 μm. The ratio of the lateral dimension to the thickness is between 10 and 10,000. The oxygen content is less than 3 wt %, and the carbon content is larger than 95 wt %. The nano-graphite plate structure has both the excellent features of the graphene and the original advantages of easy processability of the natural graphite so as to be broadly used in various application fields.